Description
There are plenty of .22 pistols out there, but very few of them feel like a real 1911 in the hand. That is exactly what Browning set out to fix with the 1911-22 A1. Instead of bolting a rimfire conversion onto a full-size frame, Browning built this pistol from the ground up at 85% of the original 1911's scale, so the proportions, balance, and pointability all stay true to the design John Browning himself drew up. Rack the slide, thumb the safety, feel the grip safety press into your palm, and it all works the way a 1911 should.
What Sets This 1911-22 A1 Gray Apart
The matte gray anodized slide is machined from aluminum alloy and dressed up with rear cocking serrations, and it rides over a stainless steel barrel block with a 4.25 inch barrel. Checkered walnut grips with the classic diamond pattern give it a traditional look that suits the A1 styling, and the fixed black A1 front and rear sights keep the profile clean and snag free. The whole pistol weighs in around 15 ounces, which makes it a joy to carry around the range or pack along for a day of plinking.
Shooting the Browning 1911-22
The straight blowback action runs on standard velocity and high velocity .22 LR, and the single action trigger gives you that crisp, short pull 1911 fans love. With 10+1 capacity and dirt cheap rimfire ammo, this is the kind of gun that turns an afternoon into a few hundred rounds without thinking twice. It is a natural fit for newer shooters learning the fundamentals, anyone with smaller hands, and seasoned 1911 owners who want an affordable trainer that mirrors their centerfire pistol's manual of arms. It also makes a fantastic first pistol to pass down, since the light weight and mild recoil build confidence fast.
A Rimfire That Earns the Browning Name
Between the alloy construction, walnut furniture, and faithful A1 styling, this is a rimfire pistol that looks and feels like it belongs in the safe next to the real thing. It ships with one 10 round magazine and a zippered pistol rug to keep it protected between range trips.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Browning
- Model: 1911-22 A1 Gray
- Manufacturer Part Number: 051879490
- UPC: 023614742715
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action, Blowback Operated
- Capacity: 10+1 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.25"
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Slide: Gray Anodized Alloy, Serrated
- Grips: Checkered Walnut, Diamond Pattern
- Sights: Fixed Black A1 Front & Rear
- Safety: Manual Thumb Safety & Grip Safety
- Weight: Approx. 15 oz
- Overall Length: 7.38"
What’s Included
- Browning 1911-22 A1 Gray pistol
- One 10-round magazine
- Pistol rug
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Browning 1911-22 A1 the same size as a regular 1911?
Not quite, and that is by design. Browning scaled the entire pistol to 85% of the original 1911, so it keeps the same proportions, controls, and feel in a slightly smaller and much lighter package. It is a great fit for smaller hands and still feels natural to anyone who shoots full-size 1911s.
Does the 1911-22 A1 have the same controls as a centerfire 1911?
Yes. You get a manual thumb safety, a grip safety, and a crisp single action trigger, just like the original design. That makes it an excellent low-cost trainer for practicing the same manual of arms you use on a .45 ACP 1911.
What ammo runs best in the Browning 1911-22?
The blowback action is built around standard and high velocity .22 LR. Most owners get the best reliability from quality high velocity loads like CCI Mini-Mag, especially during break-in. Like most rimfire pistols, it pays to try a few brands and stick with what your gun likes.
How many magazines come with the 1911-22 A1 Gray?
This model ships with one 10-round magazine along with a pistol rug for storage and transport. Spare Browning 1911-22 magazines are widely available, and picking up an extra or two is worth it for longer range sessions.





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